Henry Dyer

Henry Dyer

@direthoughts.com

Investigations Correspondent, The Guardian | Tips: henry.dyer@theguardian.com/henrydyer.01 (Signal) | Interested in Politics/Media/🚂/CofE https://www.theguardian.com/profile/henry-dyer http://direthoughts.com

12.1K followers1.1K following1.4K posts

Pinned

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Contact me with tips and documents - 📲 Signal: henrydyer.01 🔒 Secure Messaging in the Guardian app 📨 henry.dyer@theguardian.com or protonmail hqled@pm.me 📫 theguardian.com/securedrop 📮 Snail mail to the London office Find out more about contacting the Guardian securely: www.theguardian.com/tips

theguardian.comHow to contact the Guardian securelySome of the most important stories published by the Guardian have come from confidential tips. If you have something sensitive to share with us, here’s how to get in touch
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Very pleased to have our stories on Peter Mandelson failing his vetting shortlisted for investigation of the year, alongside top stories from colleagues at the Guardian and beyond

Press Gazette@pressgazette.co.uk

🔊 The shortlist for the British Journalism Awards 2026 is here! Now in their 15th year, the British Journalism Awards celebrate work that is revelatory, has real-world impact and serves the public interest Thanks to headline sponsor Starling Bank pressgazette.co.uk/press-gazett...

pressgazette.co.ukBritish Journalism Awards 2026 shortlist revealedPress Gazette is proud to reveal the British Journalism Awards 2026 shortlist, supported by headline sponsor Starling Bank.

Henry Dyer reposted

Ben Winkley
@benwinkley.bsky.social

this is a fantastic, horrifying piece of work and deserves all the prizes "A decayed corpse was found being wheeled through the centre of Walthamstow." www.the-londoner.co.uk/tracey-turne...

the-londoner.co.ukThe body in the wheelchair: How did a troubled family get lost by the state?A decayed corpse was found being wheeled through the centre of Walthamstow. Who was she? And who is to blame for her death?
The Londoner@the-londoner.bsky.social

The Londoner has been shortlisted for this year's British Journalism Awards in two categories! On the list alongside our stellar @millmedia.bsky.social colleagues at @manchestermill.bsky.social and @sheffieldtribune.bsky.social.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

In the same way companies will write to you before Mother's Day to ask if you want to opt out of their advertising, could there please be a similar function for Budget reaction, pre-reaction, post-reaction, live commentary, reviews, reports, analysis, quotes, interviews, comments, experts, etc. etc.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

My friend Alex is far too talented and funny for her own health and the health of those around her and will have a great show at Soho Theatre:

Alex Franklin@alexfranklinhallo.bsky.social

hallo various Bluesky folk! Dropping in to say am doing my show Kiss Me x @sohotheatre.bsky.social 26-28th Oct (I know! literally in 6 DAYS) - would absolutely love to see you there! It's got music and powerpoint and also kissing (mostly kissing) - link here! <3 sohotheatre.com/events/alex-...

sohotheatre.comAlex Franklin: Kiss Me x – Soho Theatre

Henry Dyer reposted

Cat Neilan
@catneilan.bsky.social

Exclusive: A second member of staff working under Reform UK mayor Luke Campbell has claimed they were suspended from their job after raising concerns about threatening and racist behaviour in the workplace observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

observer.co.ukFresh complaints over Reform mayor’s ‘toxic’ officeThreats and racist behaviour reported at Hull workplace, as police investigation into Luke Campbell’s alleged cyberflashing continues

Henry Dyer reposted

Leicester Gazette
@leicestergazette.leicester.news

Two University of Leicester students speak out over ‘absurd’ and ‘Orwellian’ decision by the BBC and ITV Studios to edit out pride pins worn on University Challenge

leicester.newsBBC edits out pride pins on University Challenge in ‘Orwellian’ move* * * This story was published by **The Leicester Gazette** : a local, independent newspaper about Leicestershire. 1,000 people have already joined our community. Just use those buttons below to download our app and **sign up for free**. * * * Astrophysics student Samuel Carlier and History student Emmeline Hague-Wright were shocked to find that their LGBTQ+ pride pins had been edited out of their University Challenge appearance earlier this year. The episode, initially scheduled for BBC Two on 24 August, was delayed twice before airing on 7 September 2026. The pins showed the progressive LGBTQ+ pride flag, the bisexual pride flag and a rainbow feather. Speaking to the Leicester Gazette, Sam said: “Living in a liberal democracy and having the state broadcaster tell you ‘we’re editing how you look’, seems very Orwellian.” Sam described the choice to remove the pins before broadcast as “weird” and “absurd”. He said: “[Censoring] that seemed weird. If I had worn a rainbow shirt, would they have censored that? If the idea is to keep things impartial, where is that line in the sand?” A side by-side image of Sam wearing the pin and with it having been digitally removed. Photograph: supplied Sam contacted the BBC to try to understand why his pins had been edited out. He told the Gazette: “The BBC people said they’d ring me, and I chased them, they just said go to the complaints website and file a complaint there, that’s what I did.” Since then, Sam hasn’t had a response from the BBC as to why his pins were removed. After the episode had aired, Sam noted that his shirt ‘melted’ into itself occasionally, as a result of the editing. Photograph: supplied ## Students believe the decision was made following online transphobia Emmeline was also shocked when she found out that the feather pin she wore was due to be removed from the episode she was in. It was understood by Emmeline that there was online transphobia in response to previous episode of University Challenge, and she had been contacted by the BBC, anticipating support from the broadcaster. When the BBC contacted her, instead of an offer of support, she was told her pin was going to be removed. “At first it was mostly confusion,” she said. “I heard that they had received a lot of nastiness online from people and I thought they were going to call me to say ‘we have support services if needed,’ and that wasn't what I got at all.” Instead, Emmeline was notified that the episodes were going to be delayed. “It was out of left field, I was confused for a while,” she said. “This entire delay has been because of a feather and two badges on a teammate that were basically impossible [for viewers] to see.” Emmeline had expressed her frustrations with the repeated delays from the BBC, spanning from mid-July to early-September. She said: “We were announced on the website and then delayed again, and then announced on the website a second time, and delayed even further. Speaking about the removal, she said: “It takes a lot of time” she said. “Making it [the edit] look good would be even more expensive and time-consuming. It seems like drastically a lot of effort.” ## Join the conversation Our app is more than just a way to keep up – it's a gateway to award-winning journalism and the local community. __Want to support our work?__ Click here for membership__.__ ## Wider criticism on LGBTQ+ support The pins Sam wore during the episode. Photograph: supplied According to leading LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall UK, two in five LGBTQ+ students will hide their identities at university for fear of discrimination. Stonewall has reported that more than 36 per cent of trans students have received hostile conduct from university staff due to their gender identity. Reflecting on the digital removal of the pins, Sam spoke about how disheartening the choice was. He said: “There was maybe like a span of eight years where someone could be uncontroversially out in the open queer – now that’s gone again.” he said. The BBC has also been widely criticised for ‘an attack on the LGBTQ+ community’ by pulling its involvement with the popular show, RuPaul's Drag Race. The broadcaster pulled its involvement in September following “significant financial pressures” as the reason for axing their involvement. The criticism follows another recent controversial edit by the BBC. On its hit show, Strictly Come Dancing, a decision was made to edit out ‘Protect the Dolls’ from contestant Bethany Antonia’s T-shirt. It’s a slogan which has become widely used to support the rights of trans women. The BBC defended their decision, saying the changes were made to meet editorial guidelines. It comes as the LGBTQ+ community has faced challenges amid an increasingly less tolerant political climate. ## What the BBC had to say When we asked them about editing out the pins worn by Leicester’s University Challenge team, a BBC spokesperson said: “In line with our editorial guidelines, we advise that no badges, flags, and emblems or symbols are worn or visible during filming, along with clothing with obvious branding or slogans. If such items are not removed for any reason then a decision is made between the programme makers and the BBC regarding any edits to the programme.” The BBC said the delays to the episode were unrelated to the decision to edit out the pins. A spokesperson for ITV Studios said: “University Challenge is an entertainment quiz show and is made in accordance with the BBC Editorial Guidelines requirements for impartiality.” The University of Leicester refused to comment on the matter. * * * **Before you go…** We’ve recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers, which is amazing considering we’re a small team on a shoestring budget. Now, we’re ready for the next stage of the Leicester Gazette. **Download our new app and get all of our journalism anytime, anywhere.** The app connects with **Bluesky** , **Mastodon** and **Threads** , giving you access to a network of around 60 million people. It’s a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media – owned by the community. * * *
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

"Until the Guardian contacted Aboud on Tuesday, the businessman was unaware of his participation in anything other than what he believed to be a nonfiction film."

theguardian.comRepublican leader embarrassed by Ali G film says he plans to sue Sacha Baron Cohen: ‘A liar and a pervert’Exclusive: Michael Aboud, whose actions in what he believed to be a documentary are likely to come under considerable scrutiny, has expressed anger at the film-maker• This article contains spoilers fo...
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Six years ago I wrote this story for Private Eye about Rikki Doolan and Uebert Angel who make a cameo in the Al Jazeera documentary in the context of Ross’s work with the Zimbabwean government. Al Jazeera previously reported on the pair in a 2023 project, “Gold Mafia”.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

I’m in Lincolnshire at an event organised by its regional mayor, Andrea Jenkyns (Reform), “the Great Exhibition”, a curious mixture of industrial discussions on energy and defence, plus main stage speeches compered by a robot. Robert Jenrick is currently giving something of a stump speech.

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Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

If I am following correctly, Truss argues there is a growing cross-party consensus that “the ways we’re governed is not working.” Citing the actions of the Bank of England, economic stagnation, “debasement of our currency.” So we need “alternatives”: “Bitcoin”.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

I’m in Lincolnshire at an event organised by its regional mayor, Andrea Jenkyns (Reform), “the Great Exhibition”, a curious mixture of industrial discussions on energy and defence, plus main stage speeches compered by a robot. Robert Jenrick is currently giving something of a stump speech.

View full thread
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Zia Yusuf was previously advertised as a speaker. It is perhaps odd for a mayoralty-organised industrial event to have such a party-political speech as that given by Jenrick (“Benefits Burnham”; “Family Farm Tax”), who is an MP over the Trent in Nottinghamshire, not Lincolnshire. No big Tories here

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Liz Truss on stage (right). Jokes about Burnham appearing last year and that she has come this year as it’s clearly on the short path back to No 10.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

I’m in Lincolnshire at an event organised by its regional mayor, Andrea Jenkyns (Reform), “the Great Exhibition”, a curious mixture of industrial discussions on energy and defence, plus main stage speeches compered by a robot. Robert Jenrick is currently giving something of a stump speech.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Previous speakers have included a Texan calling himself the “King of Carbon” and an “energy infrastructure entrepreneur” promoting heating solutions using bitcoin miners.

Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

A senior official from Number 10 North, Duncan Parish, is now giving a speech outlining what the Burnham govt is doing (after Jenrick gave it quite a bashing, quoted some Tennyson, received some applause). But the top ticket speaker is Liz Truss coming after Parish. Fingers crossed for robot intro.

Henry Dyer reposted

The Guardian
@theguardian.com

‘Drones all night. By morning, you smell the smoke’: life in the last hotel on Ukraine’s frontline

theguardian.com‘Drones all night. By morning, you smell the smoke’: life in the last hotel on Ukraine’s frontlineAmid blackouts, artillery fire and the onslaught of Russian drone attacks, the Richelievsky in Kherson provides a refuge for those with nowhere else to go There is one important rule in the Richelievsky, Kherson’s last functioning hotel: close the curtains before dusk. Less than a kilometre away lies the Dnipro, the river that has formed the frontline since Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson in November 2022; Moscow’s troops are on the opposite bank. In a city where Russian drone operators hunt civilians in what is now widely known as the “human safari”, even a sliver of light escaping through a window may be enough to reveal someone’s location after dark. Hotel manager Yevhen Emtsov, 46, in the building’s former conference room Continue reading...

Henry Dyer reposted

Cat Neilan
@catneilan.bsky.social

Exclusive: Reform mayor Luke Campbell is under police investigation for allegedly cyberflashing a female member of staff Campbell, an Olympic gold boxer, is accused of having shown a a senior female officer four fully “naked and sexualised images” of himself observer.co.uk/news/nationa...

observer.co.ukReform mayor under police investigation for alleged cyber...Luke Campbell, an Olympic gold medallist boxer and rising star in Nigel Farage’s party, is accused of showing naked pictures of himself to female colleague

Henry Dyer reposted

The Guardian
@theguardian.com

Six-figure payout for senior civil servant sacked over Peter Mandelson vetting

theguardian.comSix-figure payout for senior civil servant sacked over Peter Mandelson vettingFormer head of Foreign Office Olly Robbins applied for judicial review after Keir Starmer dismissed him in April Olly Robbins, the former head of the Foreign Office sacked by Keir Starmer over his role in vetting Peter Mandelson, has received a more than six-figure payout from the government over his dismissal. Robbins had applied to the high court for a judicial review of the prime minister’s decision to remove him as the top civil servant at the Foreign Office after he was dismissed in April. Continue reading...
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Government settles with former FCDO chief Olly Robbins, sacked by Starmer in the wake of Guardian revelations about Peter Mandelson's vetting process to become ambassador in DC. I would expect the sum of the settlement not to be published until next set of FCDO accounts in July 2027.

Dave Penman@fdagensec.bsky.social

FDA statement on settlement agreement for Sir Oliver Robbins.

Henry Dyer reposted

Simon Hattenstone
@shattenstone.bsky.social

This is Karl Bushby's amazing story (nowt to do with me, by the way – but great to interview him) www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

theguardian.com‘Some things are worth dying for’: Karl Bushby’s incredible 28-year walk home, through deserts, kidnappers and polar bearsOn his record-breaking trek, Karl Bushby was held at gunpoint, arrested, menaced by a polar bear and left by two separate girlfriends. Now he’s nearing home after 28 years – and he has a few stories t...
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Exclusive: Do you remember the polling company Redfield and Wilton, which appeared from nowhere in early 2020, whose polls quickly appeared in lots of publications? The company’s director is a registered solicitor, prompting questions over where the polling expertise came from. Here’s the answer…

theguardian.comNigel Farage adviser had unpublicised role at polling firmExclusive: Chris Bruni-Lowe used Redfield & Wilton Strategies role to develop potential campaign tactics, sources say
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

Best television of the year has got to be Jet Lag: The Game’s latest series, Japanorama. Brilliant, fun, interesting, and so very well produced.

Henry Dyer reposted

Emma Yeomans
@yeomans.bsky.social

Far-right activists linked to Patriot Platform and Restore have been clashing with police in France, following aid workers and trying to enter tents in the Dunkirk and Calais camp overnight. We unmasked them. www.thetimes.com/article/migr...

thetimes.com‘Migrant hunters’ targeting small boats clash with French policeA new group of hard-right influencers has been in skirmishes with the authorities after ten British activists were banned for ‘inciting hatred’
Henry Dyer
@direthoughts.com

great film to experience at the PCC. boos whenever the French appear

Prince Charles Cinema@princecharlescinema.com

There’s no limit to how many times you can experience MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD! Peter Weir’s magnificent adventure finally returns in 35mm, screening at the PCC on Fri 13th Nov at 12:30pm and Sun 29th Nov at 8:15pm. 🎟️: buff.ly/IY44hXv

Henry Dyer reposted

Stephanie Kirchgaessner
@skirchy.bsky.social

A new investigation by Marilyn W Thompson for the Guardian reveals Sir James Goldsmith's early warning about Jeffrey Epstein, establishing a new timeline for when people first became aware of his predatory behavior www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

theguardian.comBritish billionaire warned Epstein was a ‘sexual deviant’ decades before FBI closed in on the abuserSir James Goldsmith’s links to Hilton Head, South Carolina, adds to mystery of Jane Doe 4, who claimed she was abused by Epstein in the 1980s

Henry Dyer reposted

Jonathan Calder
@lordbonkers.bsky.social

Ordinary humans would be sunk by the allegations of lies, thefts, frauds, gussied-up CVs, expenses fiddles, charity swindles, plagiarisms, insider trading deals, funding illicit coups and – perhaps most unforgivable of all – unpleasantness to underlings that dogged Archer’s life.

theguardian.comLord Archer of Weston-super-Mare obituaryBestselling author and Conservative politician whose scandal-ridden career ended with a prison sentence

Henry Dyer reposted

Private Eye Magazine
@privateeyenews.bsky.social

Archer’s resignation from the London mayoral race after it was revealed he lied in court was the thing that got Paul Foot up from his sickbed and contributing again, having first started chronicling Archer’s lies and misdemeanours in 1969. From the Private Eye archive. Issue 992, December 1999.

Henry Dyer reposted

Rachel Rees
@rachel-rees.bsky.social

UK donor Phillip Ullmann told the FT that he told the MP “about Gary Klopfenstein, that he was a wealthy American in the US who was willing to donate” Jenrick has previously denied any wrongdoing and said he had no knowledge of Klopfenstein’s alleged involvement

Jim Pickard@pickardje.bsky.social

Robert Jenrick’s handling of donations to his failed 2024 Tory leadership campaign has come under fresh scrutiny, after the UK donor at the centre of the row claimed that the politician and his senior campaign staff knew about the involvement of an overseas donor. www.ft.com/content/38a5...

ft.comReform UK’s Robert Jenrick faces fresh accusation from campaign donorBritish businessman Phillip Ullmann says the politician was aware of his relationship with potentially illicit US donor